Atropine Eye Drops: Uses, Side Effects, Price & Substitutes

About Atropine Eye Drops 10ml

Atropine Eye Drops are used to treat inflammatory eye conditions such as uveitis and iritis, during eye examinations to widen the pupil, and in children as part of treatment for a lazy eye (amblyopia). They are also used to help slow the progression of short-sightedness (myopia).

They contain atropine, an anticholinergic. It works by widening the pupil and temporarily relaxing the focusing muscles of the eye.

Use the drops exactly as prescribed. Vision may be blurred and the eyes more sensitive to light for a while, so take care with bright light and driving.

Tell your doctor about any glaucoma or heart problems before use. In children, press gently at the inner corner of the eye after each drop to reduce absorption into the body.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are Atropine Eye Drops used for?

Atropine Eye Drops are used to manage various eye conditions such as uveitis, iritis, and myopia. They are also used as a diagnostic aid before certain eye examinations.

How do Atropine Eye Drops work?

Atropine Eye Drops work by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the eyes. This causes the eye muscles to relax temporarily, leading to pupil dilation, reducing eye inflammation and pain.

How should I instil Atropine Eye Drops?

Atropine Eye Drops should be instilled upon your doctor's instructions. The recommended dosage should be instilled into the affected eye(s). Ensure you do not touch any surface with the tip of the dropper to avoid contamination.

Can I wear contact lenses while using Atropine Eye Drops?

No, you should remove your contact lenses before instilling the drops and reinsert them 15 minutes after administration.

What should I do if I experience blurred vision or sensitivity to light after using Atropine Eye Drops?

These are common side effects of Atropine Eye Drops. They may persist for up to two weeks after use. If these conditions persist beyond this period or become severe, please consult your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, administer the drops as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

How to store Atropine Eye Drops?

Atropine Eye Drops should be stored at room temperature and protected from light. Do not freeze. The bottle should be tightly closed when not in use and discarded if the solution becomes cloudy, discoloured or contains particulate matter.

References

Agrawal, R. V., Murthy, S., Sangwan, V., & Biswas, J. (2010). Current approach in diagnosis and management of anterior uveitis. Indian Journal of Ophthalmology, 58(1), 11-19.
Aspire Pharma. (2021). Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021]. Retrieved 1 April 2024, from https://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/Licence_PA22684-002-001_29052019124110.pdf
Laboratoire Chauvin. (2019). Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5000/smpc [Revised in November 2019].
Minims Atropine Sulphate 1%w/v, Eye drops solution | Patient Info | Bausch Health Ireland Ltd. | Medicines.ie. (2021). https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3738/pil [cited 10 May 2021]
Sunways Pharma. Atropine Sulphate Eye drops. https://sunways.com/Products/SunwaysProducts/Atrosun.html
Tripathi, K. D. (2013). Anticholinergic Drugs and Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia. In K. D. Tripathi (Ed.), Essentials of medical pharmacology (7th ed., pp. 114, 119-120).
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2016). ISOPTO® ATROPINE (atropine sulfate ophthalmic solution) 1%. Retrieved 1 April 2024, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/208151lbl.pdf
Demarinis, G., Tatti, F., Taloni, A., Giugliano, A. V., Panthagani, J., Myerscough, J., Peiretti, E., & Giannaccare, G. (2023). Treatments for Ocular Diseases in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: A Narrative Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 16(10), 1433. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph16101433
Atropine. (2021, February 15). Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®) - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501471/
Atropine. (2017, July 7). LiverTox - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548915/
Maravi, P., Mishra, D. K., Singh, A., & Niranjan, V. (2020). Atropine eye-drop-induced acute delirium: a case report. General psychiatry, 33(3), e100125. https://doi.org/10.1136/gpsych-2019-100125
Mir, G. H., & Cumming, G. R. (1971). Response to atropine in Down's syndrome. Archives of disease in childhood, 46(245), 61–65. https://doi.org/10.1136/adc.46.245.61
Lee, C. Y., Sun, C. C., Lin, Y. F., & Lin, K. K. (2016). Effects of topical atropine on intraocular pressure and myopia progression: a prospective comparative study. BMC ophthalmology, 16, 114. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12886-016-0297-y
Wasserman, B. N., Massenzio, E., Lee, K., & Plager, D. A. (2024). Systolic hypertension as side effect of topical low dose atropine drops. American journal of ophthalmology case reports, 33, 102004. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajoc.2024.102004

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